Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that James T. Grogan has joined the Firm as a Partner in the Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy group in the Firm’s Houston office. James focuses his practice on Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, representing a client base of debtors, lenders, and committees of unsecured creditors across a wide range of industries. He joins Blank Rome from Paul Hastings LLP where he was a member of the Corporate Department and the Finance and Restructuring practice.

“James is an accomplished attorney with tremendous experience in counseling his clients on their most complex finance and restructuring matters,” said Alan J. Hoffman, Blank Rome’s Chairman and Managing Partner. “From his experience representing some of the largest Chapter 11 debtors in history, to his broad client mix, James fits in seamlessly with our practice and we are thrilled to welcome him to Blank Rome.”

Most recently, James has had a particular focus on restructuring transactions in the energy sector, but over his almost 20-year career he has counseled companies in the automotive, telecom, manufacturing, entertainment, financial services, and retail industries. James, who is licensed in both Texas and New York, has extensive experience with complex cross-border restructurings, having advised on some of the most important, market-leading engagements in recent years.

“With the recent wave of restructuring activity in the Houston market, combined with the cyclical nature of bankruptcy within various industries, James could not be joining us at a better time,” said Regina Stango Kelbon, Co-Chair of the Finance, Restructuring, and Bankruptcy group. “James has built a solid reputation counseling clients through every stage of Chapter 11 filings, and we’re excited to welcome him to our team.”

In addition to his restructuring practice, James also brings a passion for serving the local Houston community. He currently serves as Master of the Bench for the Moller-Foltz Inn of Court, and is a member of the Houston Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association. Additionally, James gives back to the community by dedicating many hours of pro bono legal counsel each year.

“I’m truly excited to be joining a Firm as accomplished as Blank Rome. The Firm has an incredible practice mix that is well-suited for the Houston market, and I feel privileged to be joining so many outstanding practitioners.” James adds, “I’m looking forward to collaborating with many of the Firm’s highly regarded practice groups, including its market-leading maritime practice in Houston, and working to build a preeminent restructuring practice in the Texas market.”

James earned his B.A. from Wheaton College and his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law, where he was associate editor of the Kansas Law Review.